Illinois Sports Betting Sites 2024 – Top 10 Legal IL Online Sportsbooks Compared

Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019, and online and in-person sports wagering launched officially in 2020. The state now offers almost 10 regulated sportsbook apps alongside dozens of offshore platforms available in IL.

Here, we look closer at Illinois’ legal sportsbooks, what they offer, how to sign up, and the taxes you can expect to pay on gambling earnings. We also rank and review the five best options to help you find your ideal sportsbook and claim your bonus today.

Illinois Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: December)

Here is a brief overview of the IL sports betting landscape as it is in December, 2024.

List of the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The Illinois sports betting market is laden with numerous online sportsbooks. However, some stand out more than others in terms of bonus bets, sports markets, odds, and betting lines. So, our experts tried and tested them all to help you narrow down the best of the best. Below are their top picks for the best Illinois online sportsbook sites.

1. BetOnline – The Best Illinois Online Sportsbook Overall
2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
3. MyBookie – Fun Sports Betting Contests & Useful Tips & Picks
4. BetUS – Best Sports Betting App for Bonus Bets
5. TG Casino – Fully Anonymous Sports Betting Site in IL
6. BetWhale – Get Boosted Odds with Each Deposit
7. Everygame – Top IL Sportsbook for NHL betting
8. Sportsbetting.ag – Huge Range of Ongoing Promotions
9. BetNow – Claim Back Two Percent of Your Betting Losses
10. BUSR – Best Racebook in the State

Reviews of the Best Betting Sites in Illinois

Now that we have our list of the best Illinois sports betting sites, let’s take a closer look at each. Below, you’ll find reviews of five of the best offshore sportsbooks on our list that will provide insight into each and detail what makes them stand out.

1. BetOnline – The Best Illinois Online Sportsbook Overall

• Established: 2001
• Licensed in: Panama City, Panama
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: /

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

Since it launched online over two decades ago, BetOnline has become one of Illinois favorite offshore sportsbooks. Whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, or White Sox, BetOnline provides a variety of betting markets across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. There’s also a live betting suite perfect for moments like the Bulls making a comeback or the Cubs looking to claw a win at Wrigley Field.

Sign up today and claim a $250 free bonus to bet on the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, or White Sox.

Promotions are another big draw at BetOnline, with numerous offers available to Illinois bettors. New and returning players can unlock several exciting promotions by inputting BetOnline promo codes when funding their accounts, including a $250 welcome offer. You will also find that BetOnline’s payment options are comprehensive and include bank wire transfers, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, gift cards, and up to 15 cryptocurrencies.

What’s more? BetOnline offers several exciting and lucrative contests, such as Brackets, Survivor, and Score Predictors. With these contests, Illinois bettors can test out their knowledge of the Bulls or Bears and get in the running for huge prizes. For horse racing enthusiasts, there’s a racebook to bet on races from tracks all over the world.

• Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
• Illinois Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
• NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.9/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.9/5.0
• IL-friendly Payment Options: 5.0/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.8/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.9/5.0

 

2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds

• Established: 2011
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

Bovada is an Illinois online sports betting site that deserves its high ranking on our list. In addition to offering a first-class online sportsbook, Bovada houses a standalone racebook, plus casino and poker suites. Illinois bettors can wager on over 25 sports, including NASCAR, lacrosse, Formula 1, boxing, MLB, NHL, and NBA. The site also ranks as one of Illinois’s best NFL betting sites thanks to its great odds and huge range of futures and alternates.

Enjoy weekly boosted parlay odds on big games across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer.

In addition to a wide assortment of sports, players can enjoy a range of betting lines, such as parlays, spreads, totals, moneylines, and props, and Bovada stands out for its competitive odds for pre-game and live betting wagers. Furthermore, Illinois sports bettors can request their own unique bets on X.com using the #WhatsYaWager hashtag.

When funding their accounts, IL sports bettors visiting Bovada can claim unique and exciting rewards using the Bovada promo code. However, one aspect to keep in mind about this sportsbook is that its banking options are limited. Illinois bettors can deposit funds using cryptocurrencies, but there are fewer crypto coins available than at BetOnline or MyBookie. Still, they can use online banking, bank wire transfers, and select credit and debit cards.

• Safety & Security: 4.7/5.0
• Illinois Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
• NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.8/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.8/5.0
• IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.9/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.7/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.8/5.0

 

3. MyBookie – Fun Sports Betting Contests & Useful Tips & Picks

• Established: 2014
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0

MyBookie provides the most user-friendly and easy-to-use sportsbook on our list, making it a top choice for new sports bettors looking to get started. The platform is compatible with various devices, including Android and iPhones, allowing fans of the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks to bet anytime, anywhere.

Get competitive odds on the Wildcats, the Huskies, the Salukis, the Redbirds, the Panthers, and the Fighting Illini. Also, enter college football Squares contests and compete for $10,000 prize pools.

Illinois bettors signing in can unlock a plethora of fun and generous promotions, including rebates, boosted odds, and reloads. But, to access these bonus bets, players must meet the minimum deposit and use the relevant MyBookie promo codes. In addition, the sportsbook makes depositing and withdrawing funds simple by accepting various payment methods, including debit or credit cards from Visa or MasterCard and around a dozen cryptocurrencies. 

MyBookie’s sports selection is even more diverse, and fans can wager on their favorite leagues and sports, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, tennis, and cricket. Complementing these sports are several betting lines that appeal to all betting tastes, from parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, and player/team/game props.

• Safety & Security: 4.6/5.0
• Illinois Sports Markets: 4.8/5.0
• NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.7/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.7/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.7/5.0
• IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.8/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.6/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.7/5.0

 

4. BetUS – Best Sports Betting App for Bonus Bets

• Established: 1994
• Licensed in: Mwali, Comoros Union
• No. of Sports Markets: 20+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

BetUS is a leading Illinois online sports betting site that offers an abundance of markets and a massive range of lucrative bonuses. However, this sportsbook stands out because of its excellent resources. These include The Locker Room, a section players can frequent to glean all the latest news on teams like the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox before placing bets. Additionally, there is BetUS-TV, an excellent platform for daily free picks and tips on all the major leagues.

Tune in to BetUS TV and get daily picks and predictions on all major leagues from expert handicappers.

Furthermore, BetUS offers players an assortment of bonuses that can be claimed with BetUS promo codes, including a huge welcome promotion. Returning bettors can also sign up for the site’s rewarding loyalty program. The loyalty scheme allows bettors to accumulate points and move up tiers while claiming bonus bets. For instance, bettors can access rewards like free tournament entry, free plays, and extra deposit bonus bets.

When it comes to the sports BetUS offers, bettors won’t be disappointed by the 25+ market selection. In addition to providing favorites like the NHL, NBA, NCAA, MMA, and golf, the sportsbook also features less common options like rugby, motorsports, boxing, and cycling. Moreover, it ranks as one of the best MLB betting sites IL has to offer, providing a range of bet types, from live sports bets to run-lines, totals, and props, and regular baseball contests like Beat the Streak and Bettor Up.

• Safety & Security: 4.5/5.0
• Illinois Sports Markets: 4.6/5.0
• NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.6/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.5/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.6/5.0
• IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.7/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.5/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.6/5.0

 

5. TG Casino – Fully Anonymous Sports Betting Site in IL

• Established: 2023
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 35+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

TG Casino ranks as one of the best Illinois sports betting apps for players wishing to keep their online activity private. The sportsbook is available on the web and through the Telegram messaging app. For those using TG Casino on Telegram, you don’t need to sign up or enter any personal information. Simply download Telegram, enter your phone number, locate TG Casino bot, and start playing right away.

Bet on your favorite Illinois teams and players via the Telegram messaging app. No need to sign up – just download Telegram and start wagering immediately.

This anonymous casino and sportsbook covers a wide assortment of Illinois’ favorite sports, like baseball, basketball, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports, and UFC.  Bettors can wager several kinds of bets like spreads, run lines, totals, moneylines, and a wide range of futures, especially for the major leagues. 

Before bettors can place pre-game or live wagers, they must first fund their accounts. TG Casino’s banking isn’t the easiest to get to grips with if you’re unfamiliar with crypto and tokens since you must fund your crypto wallet to play online. However, all the help and info you need is available in the site’s FAQs, and customer support can be reached via live chat 24/7. No promo code is required to unlock this platform’s 200% Rakeback bonus worth up to 10 ETH either.

• Safety & Security: 4.4/5.0
• Illinois Sports Markets: 4.5/5.0
• NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.5/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.4/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.5/5.0
• IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.6/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.4/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.5/5.0

Comparing Sportsbooks in Illinois

While some prefer to read reviews to narrow their options for the best Illinois online sports betting sites, others would rather compare each site’s features side-by-side. If you fall into the latter group, the comparison table below is for you.

How We Select the Best Betting Sites in Illinois

With so many options out there, finding Illinois’s finest betting sites can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and selected the top IL sportsbooks based on certain key metrics. Find out what we considered in our selection process.

The Latest Illinois Sports Betting News

Since Illinois sports betting went live in March 2020, the state has made a few amendments to how bettors interact with the best Illinois sportsbooks to improve the overall wagering experience. So, let’s review the latest happenings in online sports betting in IL:

• August 27, 2024 – Hard Rock Bet sportsbook starts accepting bets in Illinois.
• April 5, 2024 – Fanatics Sportsbook goes live in IL.
• November 14, 2023 – ESPNBET goes live in Illinois. 
• May 6, 2022 – The Chicago White Sox have partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, following in the footsteps of teams like the Chicago Bears and its partnership with RSI.
• March 5, 2022 –  After being repeatedly waived, the state abolished the in-person sportsbook registration requirement entirely.
• October 29, 2021 – The state no longer requires online sportsbooks to offer in-person registration in Illinois, eliminating the need for in-person casino partners.
• July 17, 2021 – IL SB0521, a bill that would remove the requirements for in-state collegiate wagering, is referred to a committee. However, it failed to pass.

Is Illinois Sports Betting Legal?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal. The Prairie State became the 15th US state to legalize sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 2019, when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act into Illinois sports betting law on June 28, 2019. 

As a result, sports betting in Illinois officially launched on March 8, 2020, allowing bettors in the state to enjoy in-person and online sports betting. However, the state required those wanting to wager with online sportsbooks in Illinois to first sign up in person at one of the retail sportsbooks. Following this, IL lawmakers abolished the stipulation for players to register in person at retail sportsbooks to wager online in 2022.

Although our guide’s best sports betting apps are based offshore, they are all regulated in trusted jurisdictions. These platforms are safe and secure and provide fair play and competitive odds.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Illinois?

Although state-regulated Illinois online sports betting sites are available for anyone to browse, those wanting to register, claim promotions, and legally place wagers must meet several stipulations. 

For instance, these Illinois betting sites will only accept players of legal gambling age. While many US states set their legal sports betting age at 18, Illinois sets the bar higher by requiring bettors to be at least 21 years old before accessing these betting sites. 

Additionally, players must be within state lines to log on and play at an Illinois sportsbook.

Previous Illinois Sports Betting Bills

Although Illinois doesn’t have many previous bills relating to sports betting, the state has issued a few since it passed legislation.

2024

• HB 2239 and SB 1656 – The gambling bills, which was introduced at the 2024 legislative session, will create the internet gaming act.

2022

• HB 3136 – An amendment to the state’s original sports betting act abolished the need for players to sign up in person to register for an online Illinois sports betting account.

Tax on Illinois Sports Betting Winnings 

Illinois sports bettors must pay a flat tax rate of 4.95% on all winnings from in-person, online, or mobile sports betting.

Payment Methods available at IL Sports Betting Sites 

The top sites offering sports betting in Illinois make it simple for bettors to fund their accounts by accepting several payment methods. In addition to making this more convenient for players, it casts a wider net for the sportsbooks, allowing more people to sign up and wager. Below, we look at the most common payment options offered by regulated IL sports betting sites.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital currency. In other words, it runs independently of third-party financial institutions like banks or government establishments. As a result, cryptocurrency has no or low fees, is secure, and allows players to make anonymous deposits and withdrawals.

It’s worth noting that state-regulated Illinois sportsbooks do not accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, but most offshore bookmakers do. 

E-wallet Betting Options

Since e-wallets work with fiat currencies like the American Dollar or Euro regulated, Illinois sportsbooks accept this form of payment. Players prefer using e-wallets to fund their accounts since they act as middlemen between a player’s bank account and their online sports betting account. As a result, this method provides greater protection against fraud and hacking. Some of the most common e-wallet systems include PayForIt, EcoPayz, Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. 

Traditional Payment Methods

Lastly, many Illinois sportsbooks allow bettors to fund their accounts using traditional payment options like debit cards, credit cards, bank wire transfers, online banking, checks, and money orders. However, many of these options have a more extended payout period, and using them may mean you will only receive your winnings a few days after your requested payout. But, if you want to fund your IL sports betting account with Visa or Mastercard, the Illinois betting sites on our list make an excellent choice.

Bonuses Available at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The best Illinois sportsbooks encourage players to sign up and continue visiting the sportsbook by offering generous and exciting promotions. While there are a variety of sports bonus bets available, we will look at some of the best bonuses offered.

Match Deposit Bonuses

The match deposit bonus is one of the most common promotions offered by Illinois sportsbooks. These bonuses come as welcome or reload promos and reward bettors for funding their accounts by matching their deposits up to a specific amount. For instance, an IL sports betting site offering a 100% match deposit of up to $1,100 will give a player depositing $1,000 an additional $1,000 to spend.

No Deposit Bonuses

In contrast to a match deposit that requires bettors to fund their accounts first, the no deposit bonus rewards them for simply registering with the sportsbook. In this case, the Illinois sports betting site gives a bettor complimentary site credits, allowing them to explore and place risk-free wagers. However, bettors usually deposit their own funds to continue wagering once the credits run out, securing a new player for the sportsbook. While these bonuses are rare, they are an excellent way for IL sports betting sites to convince players to sign up.

Free Bets

Another exciting bonus offered by Illinois sportsbooks is free bets. Generally, the best free bets come as coupons, vouchers, or site credits that allow players to place risk-free wagers. In other words, if the player loses their bet, they don’t risk their own funds. And if they win, they can keep the earnings. Other forms of free bets usually include odds boosters or sports-specific bonuses. For instance, BetOnline may offer a $50 free bet on the NFL live or prop betting market.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Illinois

Online sports betting in Illinois covers various sports, from All-American greats like the NFL, NHL, and NBA to less common options like swimming, cycling, darts, and lacrosse. Below, we take a closer look at the most popular sports offered by Illinois sports betting sites and the types of bets you can wager on them.

Live Betting with Illinois Sports Betting Site

In addition to pre-game wagers, many of the best-regulated Illinois bookmakers offer bettors the option to place in-play wagers. Here, players can wager on sports matches already in play, offering them a more exciting, action-packed experience. 

While all the legal IL sports betting sites on our list offer players the chance to enjoy, they make it even easier for bettors by live-streaming specific sports events on their websites. This allows players to catch the game and track their bets in real time. 

When it comes to the best live betting options in Illinois, Bovada is the site to visit. In addition to select live-streaming esports matches, the site provides some of the best odds on live games.

Bets that are Illegal in Illinois

When it comes to illegal wagers in Illinois, the state prohibits players from placing online or mobile bets on NCAA sports via native apps. However, placing these bets in person is acceptable, as is placing bets via offshore platforms. 

Additionally, bettors visiting state-regulated Illinois sportsbooks cannot wager on politics or awards events like the Grammys or Oscars. Once again, however, they can place bets on both markets using the best offshore sportsbooks in the state. 

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

Although Illinois sports betting is entirely legal, players in the state may want to consider the options offered by neighboring states. How is the sports betting laws just across the IL borders? Let’s find out.

Casinos with Illinois Sports Betting

In addition to offering online casinos, Illinois is home to several retail sportsbooks. Bettors will find these establishments at casinos, sports stadiums, and racecourses. However, most of Illinois’ sports betting outlets sit mainly in Chicago and near the border with Missouri. Below, we look at five of the best casino-based sportsbooks in IL.

BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino

• Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Bettors looking for a BetRivers sportsbook may want to head to Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. In addition to a fantastic sportsbook, players can discover several restaurants and a casino with over 1,400 slots and several table games.

DraftKings At Casino Queen

• Address: 200 Front St, East St Louis,
• Opening hours: 8am – 3am

Illinois’ Casino Queen is a riverboat casino near the Mississippi River in East St. Louis. Bettors visiting this establishment will find a hotel, an RV park, and a DraftKings sportsbook. Furthermore, bettors can visit the well-stocked casino and try their hands at the over 960 slots, video poker games, and 29 table games.

Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights & PointsBet Sportsbook

• Address: 1250 River Rd, Prospect Heights
• Opening hours: 10am – 11pm

While Club Hawthorne in Prospect Heights isn’t a casino, it is a pub and grill, which is just as good in some ways. In addition to great beer and delicious pub grub, bettors can visit the on-site PointsBet sportsbook to place their wagers.

FanDuel Sportsbook at Par-a-Dice Casino

• Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria
• Opening hours: 

The Par-A-Dice Casino is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming on the Illinois River. Bettors visiting the casino can enjoy over 520 slots and 20 table games. However, those looking to wager on sports can visit the FanDuel sportsbook.

Grand Victoria Casino

• Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin
• Opening hours: 24 hours

The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is a stunning riverboat casino that offers players exciting dining options and a fantastic casino that operates 247. Here, players can enjoy over 860 slots and various table games. Furthermore, sports fans will find a Caesars sportsbook on site for all their betting needs.

The Best Sports Betting Site for Illinois

Illinois sports wagering became legal in 2019 and launched in 2020. Since then, The Prairie State has gained seven legal, state-regulated online sportsbooks and ten in-person retail sportsbooks. 

However, our top pick still goes to BetOnline. In addition to offering exciting bonuses and a wide selection of sports markets, this sportsbook has an excellent reputation for providing fair and competitive odds. It allows you to back state college teams/players from the comfort of your own home. So, don’t miss out. Instead, sign up with BetOnline in 2024 and claim up to $250 in free bets to get started with.

Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Sports Betting

What is the legal gambling age for Illinois sports wagering?

Those wanting to wager legally on sports in The Prairie State must be 21 or older. While most states reserve this age limit for in-person betting establishments that serve alcohol, Illinois requires online sportsbook visitors to be no younger than 21.

Is online Illinois sports betting legal?

Yes. Illinois sports wagering became legal in 2019 after the Supreme Court of the United States repealed PASPA and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed sports betting into law in June of that same year. Furthermore, sports betting became active in the state in March 2020, so several state-regulated online and in-person sportsbooks were launched.

What organization oversees online IL sports betting?

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates and oversees all sports betting in IL, whether in-person, online, or over mobile. As a result, the board issues licenses and manages the operation of sportsbooks in the state.

Is mobile Illinois sports wagering legal?

Yes. Legal online Illinois sports betting extends to mobile wagering. As a result, bettors in the state can download apps for their tablets or smartphones and place wagers on the go. In March 2022, Illinois authorized bettors to register for online and mobile betting instead of in person.

Where can I bet on sports in IL?

Presently, bettors can enjoy Illinois sports betting from anywhere in the state by logging onto one of the many state-regulated online sportsbooks. Alternatively, players can also visit one of ten casinos in the state that offer retail sportsbooks or take advantage of the superior bonuses and odds on offer at offshore sportsbooks.

Problem Gambling Resources

• GamTalk
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Gamblers Anonymous